“We congratulate Markwayne Mullin on his confirmation to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His leadership will provide stability for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports. Both groups of federal employees are critical to the frontlines of aviation security, including our passengers, crewmembers and cargo shipments.

“Unfortunately, Congress has yet to fund DHS, and TSA officers have been working without paychecks for weeks. Last fall, they had to survive 43 days without pay. A month ago, they received a partial paycheck. Two weeks ago, TSA employees received $0 paychecks, and another one is coming this Friday. It’s getting increasingly difficult to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay the rent. We are hopeful that Secretary Mullin’s arrival at DHS will be a catalyst for Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement and get TSA paid before Congress leaves for a two-week break.

“Amid record spring break travel and ahead of FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations, it is imperative that our country remains vigilant. Government must pay the men and women who are on the frontlines of our nation’s security.”